Discussion » Questions » Religion and Spirituality » Are you or do you know of an atheist who says they don't believe in God but will pray anyway just in case?
Lulu'sMom

Are you or do you know of an atheist who says they don't believe in God but will pray anyway just in case?

Posted - January 14, 2017
Tags : Why does an atheist say "thank God" when something good happens or "God bless you" when someone sneezes if they don't believe in God?

Responses


  • 17261
    Haven't met one, and am not practicing this myself either.
      January 14, 2017 9:39 AM MST
    1

  • 3463
    My BFF says she is an atheist but says she prays just in case.
    I told her that she is not an atheist then.
    Why would anyone pray to a God they claim does not exist?
      January 14, 2017 9:53 AM MST
    2

  • 34286
    I agree sounds like a agnostic not atheist.
      January 14, 2017 10:02 AM MST
    3

  • 3463
    It sounds more like that to me too.
      January 14, 2017 10:15 AM MST
    3

  • 17261
    I can't say there's no God(s), but i don't believe in this and would never begin to pray to one (or more). I hope for your friend she's chosen the right God should we be wrong. :-)
      January 14, 2017 10:59 AM MST
    2

  • 3463
    I guess I will have to set her straight on what she believes LOL.
      January 14, 2017 11:27 AM MST
    1

  • 17261
    Whatever it is, I'm fine with it as long as it doesn't influence or threats others. Each to their own.
      January 14, 2017 11:48 AM MST
    1

  • 3463
    I feel the same way.
    Whatever gets you thru the day, do it.
      January 14, 2017 11:58 AM MST
    1

  • 17261
    Yus, as long as others aren't affected by it.
      January 14, 2017 2:15 PM MST
    1

  • 372
    Your friend has an advanced case of cognitive dissonance.
      January 14, 2017 10:01 AM MST
    3

  • 3463
    LOL, I will tell her you said that.
      January 14, 2017 10:16 AM MST
    3

  • 1128
    I know atheists, but none who pray to any god. I know some people who are agnostics, who do pray, but none of my atheist family or friends.
      January 14, 2017 10:14 AM MST
    3

  • 3463
    Thanks SA. I find it kind of odd that someone would do that.
      January 14, 2017 10:18 AM MST
    2

  • 3375
    She's an agnostic, but is calling herself an atheist by mistake.  
      January 14, 2017 10:19 AM MST
    3

  • 3463
    She is Wiccan, and they believe in a Goddess or a mother nature thing. This post was edited by Lulu'sMom at January 14, 2017 11:00 AM MST
      January 14, 2017 10:27 AM MST
    2

  • 1128
    Wiccans do believe in their goddess, so they really aren't atheists.  They still believe in a higher power.  
      January 14, 2017 10:34 AM MST
    4

  • 34286
    So is she praying to her goddess?
      January 14, 2017 11:21 AM MST
    0

  • 3463
    I don't know. I never asked her.
      January 14, 2017 11:28 AM MST
    1

  • 1523
    Nope
      January 14, 2017 11:57 AM MST
    1

  • 169
    Most of the people I know in person are Christians, however I have never offered to pray for anyone, thanked God for anything or said God bless you.... just "I'll keep you in my thoughts, Thank you (in general) and bless you because it's polite.... that said, I'm not Christian or an atheist, or anything really.
      January 15, 2017 3:54 PM MST
    1

  • This situation is not feasible. One who prays to a higher power or deity is not truly atheist. Perhaps a doubter or agnostic, but an actual atheist would dismiss the existence of deities, hence no purpose to pray to one. 
      January 15, 2017 7:30 PM MST
    1

  • 22891
    i dont know of anyone like that
      January 15, 2017 9:42 PM MST
    0

  • Depending on how tough things get, that would be me.
      January 15, 2017 10:10 PM MST
    0